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(04/17/08 1:18am)
Many Americans think child welfare is not a pressing issue at this time of war and economic recession. However, according to a recent report published by the Every Child Matters Education Fund, in 2006, 7.8 percent of Indiana children were not covered by health insurance at any time. That puts Indiana behind 15 other states for the lowest number of children without insurance. The state has 84 percent more uninsured children than Rhode Island, which has the most children insured (only 4.2 percent of its children are uninsured). \nDavid Laird, a government affairs associate with the child advocacy network Voices for America’s Children, said that hundreds of thousands of children across the United States are not receiving the proper health care needed to support a healthy lifestyle.\nKathy Byers, the program director for IU’s Bachelor of Social Work program, said the main goal is to provide growing children with a healthy, safe and supportive upbringing and ultimately ensure these children are able to become productive members of our society. \nThe biggest risk is that of neglect, she said. Parents will put off medical care until they think it is an absolute emergency and their children are in danger. If a child has a chronic ear infection and the child is not provided medical attention immediately, it can lead to hearing loss, and that’s just one example of neglect many uninsured children face every day, Byers said. \nAffordable and equal health care is something to which every child is entitled, but thousands of children receive no health care, Laird said. Among those not receiving health care are children who are eligible but remain uninsured because of outreach issues or lack of available funds.\nIndiana is not the only state with a high number of uninsured children. Texas ranks last because about 21 percent of its children are uninsured. \nUninsured children come from families that cannot afford to insure their children or do not receive insurance from their employers, said Angela Madnick, campaigns communications manager for Every Child Matters Education Fund. Among other issues children face are inadequate federal and state funding. States can fund children’s health programs in many ways, but they seem to focus on other issues, Madnick said.\n“We need to make children a priority,” she said.
(04/16/08 3:35pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is definitely not just about the music. This annual festival, which features alternative rock, hip-hop and electronica, is home to some of the world’s hottest fashions.Celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson and Adam Brody, are among the many people who attended this famed music spectacle last year.While Bloomington may not be home to California’s Coachella, it will host one of the hottest festivals of the year, Culture Shock 2008, which is scheduled to feature bands such as Beach House, The Dodos, Mahjongg, Dead Child and Blueprint.Naturally, with an event of this magnitude, looking fashionable is of the utmost importance. Women, with an event like this, there is little room to go wrong when making those fashion choices. There is a wide variety of options – from short shorts to floral dresses to bulky sunglasses – that are appropriate. Denim short shorts are optimal, especially those with a few pockets.But spring or summer dresses would be perfect. Think of a dress ScarJo would wear to this concert. It would be something casual, bright and short in length.You can pair that dress off with a pair of leather boots, which seems to be a popular choice for many concertgoers. Accessorize to the max. Throw on bangles, bandanas, rings, hats, necklaces, earrings and anything else you can think of. Think bulky, think vintage and think in large quantities. Let your natural hair flow down and wear either light or dark makeup. In a case like this, hair and makeup depend on your mood and outfit. If you are wearing something springy and girlish opt for light makeup. If you’re wearing something funky and edgy, then go for some dark eye makeup and bold hair. When picking sunglasses think Victoria Beckham, the bigger the better; it’s in style and it’s hot.Men, as usual, it is much easier for you to look stylish. Let your passion for music be your guide for style. Think of Adam Brody and his laid-back rocker style. With that, there are a couple of options available to you. As far as T-shirts are concerned, you can go with either a v-neck, super v-neck or just a regular crew neck. Shirts with horizontal stripes are always more appealing than plain solid colored ones. Throw on a vintage necklace – maybe one with a guitar – or another stylish music symbol attached to it. Wear fitted jeans because they outline your body. Wearing fitted jeans only enhances the rest of your outfit and honestly, it just looks better than loose, saggy pants. Stick to tennis shoes or flip-flops. Lately I have seen some cool shoes with lots of colors and patterns, and those would definitely be OK for the concert. As far as sunglasses are concerned, my pick for you men would be aviators. Do something fun with your hair; spike it up or do something crazy. For a better idea of what to wear, check out the outfits to the right.Clothes are accessories and in the end it is all about how you carry and present yourself. Wearing the perfect outfit means nothing if you don’t give it life and personality. So get out there at Dunn Meadow – sing, scream and most importantly, be yourself.
(04/15/08 4:21am)
Rising gas prices could affect students’ summer plans this year, forcing them to make sacrifices to budget their money. \nThough a Monroe Country Convention & Visitors Bureau representative said he does not think the number of people visiting Bloomington will be affected by gas prices because of the city’s location, some say prices have hurt their pocketbooks and their plans. \nSophomore Travis Martin said the possibility of increased gas prices has him thinking twice about making travel plans this summer. Martin, who drives a 2003 Honda Accord, spends approximately $45 to fill up his gas tank.\nMartin plans to attend summer school and will drive 40 minutes back and forth to campus several times per week. \n“The increase in gas prices definitely affects my budget,” Martin said. \nHe said a large percentage of his budget will go toward gas this summer, leaving him with little money to do anything else. \nLast year, Speedway gas stations on April 10 charged an average of $2.80 per gallon. This yearon April 10, Speedway gas stations in Bloomington charged their customers $3.45 per gallon, an increase of 65 cents in just one year.\nMartin said the gas prices affect how many times he goes out per week and where he can afford to go. \nMartin used to visit his girlfriend, who lives an hour and a half away, every week, but now he is only able to visit her once a month, partly because of gas prices.\nStill, Mike McAfee, executive director of the Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the increase in gas prices – which are rumored to rise to above $4 this summer – does not worry him too much. \nHe said he is not expecting people to cancel trips, but instead they will most likely change their travel patterns, McAfee said. \nMcAfee expects people to take more frequent two- or three-day vacations instead of the usual two-week vacations. He said they expect more weekend getaways, all closer to home than in previous years.\nAccording to the American Automobile Association, leisure travel is expected to remain flat while business travel will see an increase this summer, McAfee said. \nBloomington is a driving destination for many people in the Midwest, McAfee said. People can reach Bloomington relatively quickly; therefore, the gas price increase will not affect local tourism too much, he said. \nSophomore Andrew Gardiner said the increase in gas prices will not affect his plans for the summer. His activities and trips are more important to him than gas prices going up, he said.\n“I will keep on doing my thing.” Gardiner said.
(04/11/08 1:47am)
Indiana ranked 49th for the amount of state money spent on public health in 2006-07. Indiana spent about $61,549,176 on public health, which is $9.70 per capita, while some states, such as Hawaii, spend more than $100 per capita. \n“Overall, Indiana is spending less and receiving less,” said Rich Hamburg, the director of government relations for Trust for America’s Health.\nWith low federal and state funding, many citizens are experiencing infrequent, more expensive care, Hamburg said. In many cases, local health departments have to rely on private funding from grants, instead of federal or state funding, he said. Chronic diseases such as heart disease are seeing their lowest funding in years, and sometimes they receive no funding at all. The lack of funding leads to understaffing in many health departments across the state of Indiana and the rest of the United States, creating even larger issues when it comes to quick and proper health care, Hamburg said.\nSeven out of 10 Americans who die every year lose their lives to a chronic disease, according to the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, but historically less than 5 percent of budgets of state health departments have been geared toward preventing and controlling these diseases. \nThe Monroe County Department of Public Health is currently understaffed, which affects its ability to serve the local population, said Penny Caudill, interim administrator for the Monroe County Health Department. The Indiana average is 46 health professionals per 100,000 people, while in Monroe County there are only 18 per 120,000, Caudill said. While providing health care is becoming more expensive, budgets and grants are not increasing, she said.\nThe recently published report by Trust for America’s Health, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit group, showed that the Midwest ranks the lowest when it comes to funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with approximately $16 received per person in the region in fiscal year 2007. The per capita funding Indiana received amounted to $13.69, which puts the state second-to-last when compared to the rest of the nation. \nThe state of Indiana received no federal funds for serious medical ailments including heart disease and stroke in the 2007 fiscal year, Hamburg said. Indiana possibly received private funding, but not state or federal funding, he said.\nPreventing disease and serious medical ailments saves lives and money, Hamburg said. Eventually, he said, with increased federal and state medical funding, the state will need to provide less medical care and ultimately increase the return on its investment.\n“The Indiana State Department of Health has increased the amount of CDC funding awards from 64 to 80 percent of the national average,” said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe in an e-mail. “We continue to work closely with federal, state and local partners to secure funding which will allow us to achieve our public health goals.”\nInadequately funded public health plays a big role in states’ high obesity and infectious disease rates, Hamburg said.\nIndiana has the ninth highest obesity rate and 14th highest diabetes rate, Hamburg said. Tobacco prevention receives some type of funding in all 50 states, and nutrition education and treatment are funded in only a small number of states. The system has for a long time shifted focus and funding elsewhere, not toward disease control, he said.
(04/09/08 9:06pm)
Longggisland Apparel 124 E. 6th St.
• Tank form plaid shorts: $80
• Christian Audgiu "crown": $77
• Project e "prepster" polo: $62
• 575 Trucker vintage jeans: $50
• Triple 5 soul reversible jacket: $150
TOTAL: $419
(04/09/08 9:06pm)
InSeam Denim Supply 601 N. College, Suite 3
• Top by Soda Blu: $57.78
• Short by Colcci: $88.89
• Sandals by Madeline: $31
• Jacket by Colcci: $124.44
• Heels by Madeline Stuart: $38.89
TOTAL: $349
(04/09/08 8:59pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>While attending a recent spring fashion show, I realized that Little 500 week, the biggest week here at IU, is upon us. Of course, I immediately started contemplating the perfect Little 5 outfit. I wanted to find an ensemble that could be worn to the track during the day, but also something that, with a little touch-up, could be worn to the parties later that night.First, let’s start with what ladies should wear. For a stylish, comfortable look during the day, opt for denim, multiple-pocket shorts with a cute scoop-neck sleeveless T-shirt. This allows room for some skin without being too scandalous. Stick with bright, spring colors such as yellow and turquoise, which will make your outfit stand out. Keep to light, synthetic fabrics as much as possible when it comes to your top. Cotton and similar materials will only induce more sweat. If its cold and rainy, you should find a cute waist-level jacket, preferably one with a little color and a few pockets. Celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie have recently been seen wearing cute denim jackets and even khaki jackets. If you are wearing those cute denim shorts, you want a denim jacket. Otherwise, stick to a khaki jacket or one of similar material. During the day, throw your hair in a ponytail or a bun, but whichever you pick, make sure it’s in style. You can always check out style.com and similar Web sites for tips on how to get the best hairstyle. Day makeup should be light. That means no smoky eyes and no lipstick; save that for the night.Get this ladies — all you have to do is let your hair down, put on that extra makeup, throw on a pair of cute stilettos with a matching clutch, preferably patent leather, and you are ready to get on that dance floor. It’s that simple.Men, it’s even easier for you. To the track, wear khaki shorts or shorts of a similar material. Jean shorts have been out since the ’90s, and it should remain that way. Wear a simple T-shirt or a polo. The color rules apply to you as well — the brighter the better. You probably want to wear tennis shoes, because it is a track, after all. You have to do very little to prepare for the night. Just switch tennis shoes to flip flops, make sure you are sweat free, throw on a long silver or gold necklace and a flashy bulky watch and you are ready for the party. If you prefer to party in jeans, just make sure that if you wear a dark fade you pair it with a light T-shirt and vice versa. To get an idea for what I'm talking about check out the fabulous outfits to the right, from Longggisland apparel and InSeam Denim Supply.Remember that looking great is not difficult and takes minimal effort. Being a fashion disaster is the worst thing in this world, and no one wants to be remembered as such. If you just keep to my simple instructions, you are sure to be the topic of everyone’s conversation – only this time they will only have good things to say. See you at the parties.
(04/09/08 5:12pm)
The current adoption laws and regulations in Indiana will prevent hundreds of children from being adopted, critics say. Unmarried couples are ineligible to jointly adopt children under the current law.\nUnder Indiana code 31-19-2-4, a single individual is eligible to adopt; however, if an unmarried couple wishes to adopt, they are not guaranteed to both legally become guardians of the adoptive child. \nIn order to create awareness about these issues, IU social work students Hannah Hammack, Tiffany Gravatte, Emily Sabine and Dan Niederman organized a march in celebration of adoption Thursday at the Sample Gates.\nThe marchers carried several different signs with phrases such as “Don’t let a child lose a parent” and “Build stronger families.”\nThe group emphasized that children need to be protected from the law which says that adopted children do not have rights to see their second parent after separation. The law states that only the parent who has legal rights of adoption to the child has the visitation rights. \n“Marriage is not required to be a good parent,” said Hammack, one of the project leaders.\nProject leaders advise those supporting adoption, regardless of marital status, to contact their state officials and voice concerns on this matter. \nIn many situations, children are already living with non-married parents, Sabine said. Changing the law would allow more rights to both parents and prevent either parent from being separated from their children, she said.\nThe supporters handed out pamphlets during the march that listed several negative effects the current law could have on children and their parents. In many instances, children are being separated from their parents, negatively affecting the child’s well-being. \nHammack said the worst part of the whole situation is that many homeless children need a home and a loving family, but will be unable to get one because of this law.\n“I thought (the march) was a great idea,” said Bruce McCallister, coordinator of the Student Outreach program that’s associated with the school of social work.\nMcCallister said a lot of social work values were present at the march. Many often overlook helping children find a safe home and advocating for children’s rights, he said.\nThe project leaders hope that through changing adoption codes and regulations, many children across Indiana will be given the chance for a more stable family environment.\nNiederman, a project leader, said he wants more adoption opportunities presented to unmarried couples. He said more access to the second parent after “parental separation” can only benefit the healthy development of the child.
(04/09/08 2:41am)
IU Opera Theater celebrated 60 years of opera performance Friday night at the Musical Arts Center with Jacques Offenbach’s “Les Contes D’Hoffmann.” \nThe performance marked the 398th production in the IU Opera Theater.\nAs the lights dimmed to absolute darkness, the curtain opened and revealed a drunken Hoffmann wandering the stage. The audience was full of laughs as floating, dancing beer bottles taunting the inebriated Hoffmann were revealed – that is, until his muse came to his rescue and chased the beer bottles away. \nAt a tavern, Hoffmann recounts the tragic romances of his past to his friends. The first, Olympia was a lifeless doll, whom Hoffmann believed to be alive. The second lover, Antonia, wishes to become a singer like her mother, however, her father forbids her to sing, fearing that it will aggravate her fragile condition and kill her. Courtesan Giulietta, Hoffmann’s third lover, attempts to steal his soul and give it to her evil acquaintance, Dappertutto, in exchange for a diamond necklace.\nAs the opera progressed, the costuming became more detailed and extravagant. The makeup was plentiful for each character, especially in the case of Olympia, who’s makeup transformed her into the lifeless doll. Sophomore Sarah Carrel said she thought the costuming and makeup increased the believability of Olympia and her robotic form.\nAudience members said the dresses were appropriate for the time period and suited the characters. \n“The costuming was very elaborate,” audience member and IU student Kirsty Flora said. “It gave the opera that much more energy.”\nAt one point there was a “robotic” ball in which Hoffmann expresses his interest in and love for Olympia, not realizing she is a robot because of the glasses he is wearing, which make her appear to be human. This scene included dozens of characters all dressed in Victorian-style clothing, hair and makeup. \nEach act has a unique set that represents the three women portrayed. For example, during Act 1, the set consisted of elaborate clockwork representing the robotic side of Olympia. \nSophomore Sonae Choate, a first-time opera attendee, was impressed with the set design by IU faculty member C. David Higgins. \n“The set was very colorful and the entire opera was full of energy,” Choate said.\nCarrel said she thought the opera was “fabulous.” \n“It is definitely not what I had expected walking in tonight,” she said. “I expected to see something boring and stuffy, but it was actually really good and even quite funny.”\nItalian professor Mary Migliorelli enjoyed the Olympia act, particularly the part when Olympia was beheaded and her body ran around the stage headless.\n“The whole dynamic was funny,” Migliorelli said.\n“Les Contes D’Hoffmann” continues this weekend at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.\nTickets are on sale now at the Musical Arts Center box office, open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; at all Ticketmaster outlets; by phone through Ticketmaster at 333-9955 and online at http://music.indiana.edu/opera.
(04/08/08 4:53am)
The balance on people’s next gift card could read $0 before it even reaches their hands. \nThe National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, recently brought attention to a new gift card scam and detailed how consumers could lose money from gift cards if criminals steal the card numbers from the back of the card.\nThe scam could be potentially devastating for many consumers and retailers, said Linda Carmody, CEO of the Better Business Bureau in central Indiana. \nIn a study conducted by Comdata Stored Value Solutions, it was projected that during the 2007 holiday season, the average gift card buyer spent $203 on cards, a $17 increase from 2006. The estimate for total gift card spending was $35 billion. \nWhile rare, gift card scams can mean trouble for consumers and retailers alike. Some stores leave unprotected gift cards lying around with the gift card number clearly visible to anyone who walks by, Carmody said. The thief copies the number down, waits for the card to be purchased by an unsuspecting consumer, and uses the numbers, most likely online, to purchase items. \nThe consumer then attempts to use the gift card only to learn that the balance is zero. Naturally, the consumer blames the store for issuing a faulty card, not realizing the money was stolen, Carmody said. \nMany stores, such as Barnes and Noble and Borders bookstores, have implemented sophisticated safeguards to prevent thieves from obtaining and using consumers’ gift cards.\nCarolyn Brown of Barnes and Noble said it would be impossible to copy down the numbers. Brown said Barnes and Noble has security measures in place to prevent gift card scams. She was unable, however, to discuss the exact nature of those policies.\nBorders spokesperson Kolleen O’Meara said the company has never had an issue with gift card fraud, mostly because of the way the cards are manufactured. There is a strip on the back of the card that has to be scratched off in order for the number to be visible, O’Meara said. \nThe staff is trained to identify cards that have been tampered with, and do not issue such cards to consumers, O’Meara said.\nO’Meara said that if theft occurred, there is a system in place that tracks the card down and the company would return the cost of the card to the purchaser. Borders will always be willing to help consumers get their money back, O’Meara said.\nThe National Retail Federation gives advice to consumers when making gift card decisions.\nFirst, it encourages consumers to double-check the section on the back of the card where the personal identification information is before they purchase it. If it appears to already be scratched off, take it to a customer service representative. \nNext, only purchase gift cards from reputable sources and not online auction sites where they are likely to be counterfeit or fraudulently obtained.\nAny time people purchase a gift card, they should keep their receipt, Carmody said.
(04/07/08 9:22pm)
It is very difficult for a fashion show to be considered a success and even more difficult for a fashion show to be perfect. I can only count a handful of fashion shows that have reached and exceeded that level of perfection and ultimate success. \nFashion shows planned by college students, especially in areas not considered as most “fashionable,” turn out to be less than acceptable. It’s the same each and every time; you see a basic, elevated runway, some chairs, almost no lights and models who look like they belong in the circus. There are no theatrics, there is no suspense and the quality of the show is poor at best. So many times they turn out to be dull and quite frankly,boring.\nHowever last Thursday night I was surprised with the level of professionalism and the overall quality I witnessed at the RSO Fashion Show, organized by the members of the Retail Studies Organization. The “city chic”-themed fashion show, held at Alumni Hall, was not without minor problems, but overall I was very happy with the performance.\nI was allowed back stage before the show started and I spoke with a few of the models, many of whom said their favorite part was getting their hair and makeup done. A few were nervous, but many were excited to walk the runway. Fierce, sexy and flirtatious were just a few words girls used to describe themselves. The show, which drew about two hundred patrons, left about two dozen people standing in the back because many of the available seats were filled.\nThe runway was made of carpeted platforms, and although that wasn’t anything special, the set up around the runway was very “city chic.” The entire runway was surrounded by shopping bags from various stores including Nordstrom, Saks, Victoria’s Secret and many others. I think it was an innovative idea and something that brought originality and definitely added to the theme.\nMy favorite part of the entire show was the almost-sheer backdrop used by models to create various silhouettes before strutting their stuff down the runway. If you have ever seen Project Runway, it was very similar to the backdrop they use on the show. Of course, the male models took this to a new level; instead of still silhouettes they performed various dancing routines which were comical to say \nthe least.\nAs far as the clothes were concerned, I thought the collection presented by Long Island Apparel had the best fashions; they were very fun, playful and hip. The collection included shirts, jackets and hoodies from Ed Hardy as well as other colorful print-patterned shirts and T-shirts. Store owner Wayne Levinson referred to the collection as a great mixture of clothes representing what customers can expect to find at his boutique. \nFor women I have to say that I really enjoyed all the collections. Of course there were a few pieces that I thought were disasters, but many were perfect, especially for college-age students. Bella Donna and B-boutique had a good number of fun, flirty spring and summer dresses, with various colors, cuts, fabrics and styles. Inseam Denim featured a more girlish-casual collection including gladiator sandals, denim jackets, trouser jeans, a couple of casual dresses as well as cute tanks and T-shirts, again in various colors and patterns. Other collections included clothes from Hailey’s boutique and IU student designer Jessi Sheehan, whose collection was amazing and included everything from a futuristic, stretch-metallic body fitting dress to a school-girl, high-waisted checker skirt with a white blouse. \nIn the end I believe the Retail Studies Organization did a good job with the fashion show. For a bunch of college students to put on something of such decent quality was surprising to me. There are a few other shows coming up, and all I can say is that the bar has definitely been raised.
(04/07/08 3:55am)
With the men wearing frock-tuxedos with white bow ties and the women sporting white flare-skirt dresses, the Singing Hoosiers dressed the part of a two-time Grammy-nominated concert show choir. Saturday’s performance at the IU Auditorium celebrated the Singing Hoosiers’ 58th anniversary.\nThe show included all types of music, ranging from jazz and Broadway all the way to contemporary pieces by Queen. It also included original compositions by members of the group. \nIn addition to singing and dancing, the Singing Hoosiers found time to entertain the audience members with comedic dancing and songs with funny punch lines. \n“I think the Singing Hoosiers did a fantastic job,” Singing Hoosier alumnus Ryan England said. \nThe Varsity Singers, “the choreographic unit of the Singing Hoosiers,” according to the Singing Hoosiers Web site, brought refined dancing skills to the table and enhanced the overall stage presence. \n“I think everybody is talented,” sophomore Vanessa Davies said. “The Varsity Singers are excellent.” \nThe show included more than a dozen songs. Davies said it was very impressive that the group performed so well and that it takes a lot of effort and talent to put it all together.\nPieces ranged from “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from Guys and Dolls, a Mary Poppins medley, a Queen medley and two pieces by Hoagy Carmichael, an IU alumnus and jazz composer.\nSinging Hoosier alumna Alice Curry said director Mike Schwartzkopf did a great job with pulling the group talent together as well as showcasing individual talent. She said that the show made her want to be a Singing Hoosier all over again. \n“I’m enjoying every minute of it,” Curry said.\nCurry said she was a Singing Hoosier under conductor Robert Stoll, who was a guest of honor at the Saturday night’s concert. \nThe show ended with Singing Hoosier alumni taking the stage with the current Singing Hoosiers for a tradition that spans decades: singing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
(04/04/08 4:33am)
The Singing Hoosiers are bringing in spring with a celebration including jazz and Latin music and Queen. \nThe IU Auditorium will be filled with the sounds of the two-time Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers for the annual spring concert “A Celebration of American Popular Music,” at 8 p.m. Saturday. This is the 58th year for this annual event.\n“I’m really excited about some of the stuff we are doing,” said junior Anne Litchfield, the Singing Hoosiers’ social chair.\nThe audience can expect to hear familiar pieces, including one by Queen.\n“The Queen piece is very cool, and the choreographers did a fantastic job,” Litchfield said.\nThe Hoosiers look forward to performing older pieces that have sentimental value.\n“It gives the alumni a chance to reminisce, and they are traditional and fun,” Litchfield said.\nThe Singing Hoosiers will perform classic jazz pieces such as “Round Midnight” by Cootie Williams and Thelonious Monk. The family friendly event will also include a few shows off the Broadway stage, including “The Fantasticks.” \n“This year’s concert should be one of the greatest varieties we have ever done,” said Nicole Pollard, a senior in music education. “From Queen to classic, it has something that appeals to everyone.” \nThe event will also feature music from Hoagy Carmichael, an IU alumnus and a famous composer. \n“He just means so much to the Singing Hoosiers,” Pollard said. “He went to IU and is a wonderful composer.” \nPollard said Carmichael has been a constant force in many of her concerts. She said that because this is her last concert, doing a piece from Carmichael is nostalgic and perfect. \nIn addition to the singing, the show will also feature dancing, both by the Singing Hoosiers and the Varsity Singers, the choreographic unit of the Singing Hoosiers.\n“There is typical Broadway dancing, which is very showy, but we are doing a whole bunch of different choreography,” Pollard said. “They all match the music in some way.”\nThe show will feature Latin-inspired music during which performers will do a Latin couples’ dance. This particular segment should resemble something a person would see on the TV show “Dancing With the Stars,” Pollard said.\nThe show also has an underlying theme of friendships and togetherness as different students come together for this one night of music.\n“There will be all sorts of entertainment,” Pollard said. “To see 105 students from all walks of campus coming together on stage to make music is spectacular. It means a lot to have people come together and sing.”\nMichael Schwartzkopf, the director of the Singing Hoosiers, encourages the students at IU to come out and see a “wonderful display of individual talent” both from the Singing Hoosiers and the Varsity Singers.\nReserved seating tickets are $13 to $15 for adults and $10 to $12 for students. For more information, call the IU Auditorium Box Office at 855-1103, Ticketmaster at 333-9955 or visit www.iuauditorium.com.
(04/04/08 4:22am)
A story of love and despair entangled with comedy will take the stage at 8 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and April 11 and 12 at the Musical Arts Center. The center will be home to the famous “Les Contes D’Hoffmann” opera composed by the late Jacques Offenbach. The opera, which will complete the 2007-08 opera and ballet season, will honor 60 years of the IU Opera Theater, which featured “Hoffmann” in its opening season. \n“The music is so great, and the singing is fantastic,” said Josh Lindsay, who plays Hoffmann.\nLindsay added that this particular opera is one of Offenbach’s best, as well as one of his most mature. The viewers always seem to enjoy the opera, and they keep coming back each time it is performed, Lindsay said. \nThe story is three acts. In each, Hoffmann recounts a lost lover, and in each act his love is taken away by an antagonist. In the first, he recalls the story of Olympia, a lifeless doll and his first love. In the second, Hoffmann falls in love with Antonia, who is suffers from a mysterious illness which eventually kills her. \nIn the third act, Hoffmann falls in love with Giulietta, a courtesan who ends up stealing his shadow in exchange for some diamonds. In the epilogue, Hoffmann reveals that these three women are in fact various aspects of Stella, his one true love. \n“Basically, Hoffmann is telling the story of one woman he loved. He is telling it in three different perspectives, and in each act, he refers to a different (woman),” said Sarah Fox, who plays the role of Olympia. “He uses a different character each time to portray his stories – the three aspects to Stella’s personality.” \n“(The opera) is very hilarious and very detailed,” said Yungee Rhie, who also plays the role of Olympia. “The story is tragic but it has a lot of comic element in it.” \nThere are a variety of characters in the show, giving the students at the IU Jacobs School of Music the chance to be on stage and showcase their talent, Lindsay said. The cast started preparing for the opera at the beginning of the semester. \n“We first start the coaching of the music itself, after we have lessons in French diction, and then eventually we transition to musical rehearsal and then to acting rehearsals,” Fox said.\nThe entire process of preparing for the show spans a few months, but it all depends on the opera itself and the scheduling, Fox said\nTickets are on sale now at the Musical Arts Center Box Office, open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; at all Ticketmaster outlets; by phone through Ticketmaster at 333-9955; and online at www.music.indiana.edu/opera.\n“I think people will enjoy the opera a lot,” Rhie said.
(04/03/08 2:57am)
The recent publishing of the income report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has IU freshman Sara Sidery thinking twice about staying in Indiana after graduation. With Indiana ranking 44th in the nation for personal income growth in 2007, IU students such as Sidery are now considering the option of out-of-state jobs. \nHowever, those students planning to leave Indiana in search of jobs might also be affected. States such as Michigan, Arizona and Colorado are among those states that ranked in the lowest quartile of income growth in 2007.\nPersonal income measures all income received by the consumer. This includes dividends, interest, rent and transfer payments in addition to wages earned. \nThe release of the income data coincides with the release of a new campaign ad from Gov. Mitch Daniels praising Indiana’s economy. However, David Lenze of the Bureau of Economic Analysis said that Indiana, like most of the states in the Great Lakes region, has been growing slowly in the past four years. Lenze said it probably has something to do with Indiana’s large focus on its industrial base, whereas other states are focusing more on areas such as finance and insurance.\nMichael Alexeev, an economics professor at IU, said Indiana’s focus has been on manufacturing. Unfortunately, the demand and supply of manufacturing has declined recently, and Indiana has suffered as a result, Alexeev said. \nThe area of construction contributes a little bit more in Indiana than it does nationally, Lenze said. Areas such as finance and insurance were flat in Indiana, though they were one of the most prevalent industries in the rest of the United States. \n“Nothing sticks out; it’s just that most of the industries in the Indiana area were growing slower than the rest of the country,” Lenze said. \nIndiana’s per capita personal income in 2007 was $33,616; 13 percent below the national average. It was the 37th lowest per capita personal income in the United States.\nPer capita income is the amount each citizen would receive if the yearly income generated by a country from its productive activities were divided equally among everyone.\nAnna Easton, senior faculty lecturer at the Kelley School of Business, said she is not surprised that many students are considering leaving Indiana in search of a better job. Business students, especially those with options, will more than likely take a job outside of Indiana, where they have more of a chance for financial and professional growth, Easton said. \nAccording to the report published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. per capita income grew 5.2 percent in 2007, down from 5.6 percent growth in 2006. Indiana’s per capita income growth rate was a low 4.1 percent compared to New York’s 7.6 percent and Louisiana’s 9.2 percent. \nJunior Brian Yensho said he wants to work in a state that allows him the possibility of being able to make a competitive wage – an income that would justify the amount of time, energy and money that was put into his education and professional development. Yensho also commented that with the prices of everyday things on the rise, it’s becoming more difficult to be a student and a resident in the state of Indiana.
(04/02/08 7:23pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Being a high roller is no easy task, and looking like one is an even greater challenge. Today’s big earners at the casinos know that in order to play well, you have to look good, too. Looking good while playing can increase your confidence, which will enhance the entire casino experience.Although designers do not usually design specifically for casino wear, many of the outfits presented at their collections would be appropriate for the casino floor. Valentino’s Spring 2008 Couture fashion show featured dozens of outfits such as the one-shouldered white satin dress with a knotted strap that would make any lady look elegant, classic and powerful. Valentino’s clothes exhibit that feminine sex appeal with items such as lace, occasional flower prints and succulent satin bows. Colors such as red, black and silver are the colors a dame should sport. While onlookers first notice an outfit’s color, they notice fabric and cut soon after. A dress should look as if it is flowing down your body, and fabrics such as satin have that effect. Edgy, asymmetrical cuts are all right, but classic cuts such as the symmetrical two-strapped dress will definitely ooze femininity and sex appeal that every man in the casino is sure to notice. When you are questioning whether to wear flats or heels – always go with heels. Slicked-back hair goes best with the classic elegant look we are going for here. Along with the hair, makeup should be bold (as opposed to light and neutral), including smoky eyes and lipstick in colors like red. To get an idea of what I’m talking about you can look up any Valentino ad. There’s a reason why New York Magazine called him “a master of elegance and opulence.” Fortunately, casino fashion does not discriminate against men, so they also should dress to impress. Men should wear something that makes them look elegant yet masculine and powerful. The one thing that comes to mind is the always fashionable tuxedo. Tuxedos have many variations, cuts and styles, but honestly, as long as it looks good, fits well and has that rough, masculine sex appeal, you made the right decision. For that “Casino Royale” James Bond look, all you need is the Armani Collezioni tuxedo and a stylish pair of black, patent-leather shoes and you are ready to rake in the cash at the blackjack table. Armani will guarantee you the classic elegant tuxedo with exquisite tailoring and strategic cuts. If nothing else, the name alone warrants attention and exudes class and power. While Armani and Valentino will make you look elegant, sexy and timeless, they will also set you back a few thousand dollars. For a more affordable version of trendy casino fashions, check out my affordable outfits to the right.Men: Please stay away from those floral-print Hawaiian shirts; there is nothing elegant, classic or masculine about them. The only turns you will get with those are turns of disgust. I’m sure many of you who have gone to the casino will undoubtedly say that the people there were dressed casually and seldom anyone stood out from the crowd. It is those few who do stand out who end up being the most talked about, stylish players of the night. Another piece of advice: Don’t look at what everyone else around you is wearing. Be bold, stand out and go for something stylish, something Armani, and you are sure to be the winner of the night. And don’t forget to blow the dice!
(04/02/08 2:08am)
Being thin is always “in” in the fashion industry, but some young models are taking this not-so-new trend to a whole new extreme. With fashion week coming up, hundreds of new girls are entering the fashion industry for the first time, many of them as young as 13 and 14.\nTop models, such as Coco Rocha and Tanya Dziahileva, usually have first pick of the outfits they wear, and designers are more willing to work around their sizes. Although already thin, these top girls don’t have to worry about their weight as much the new, inexperienced girls.\nThis “issue,” if that’s what you want to call it, is not new. Models have always had to watch what they eat, drink, etc. However, in the past few years, with the fashion changing and becoming more body-conscious, many girls have suffered at the sometimes cruel fate of fashion.\nIt is sad fact that words such as bulimia and anorexia are becoming a part of everyday conversation in the fashion industry. Filling size 0 and 2 dresses is not an easy task, and I commend those girls who are able to do that; but not if it requires them to behave unhealthily. Most of the time these young girls just need friendly advice and guidance in the right direction, because it is so easy to get lost and get with the “wrong” crowd in the fashion industry, and once you are set in a particular lifestyle it is very hard to leave or change.\nBrazilian model Ana Carolina Reston was one of those girls who cracked under the immense pressure to be thin in the fashion industry and died at the age of 21, weighing only 88 pounds. Her family and friends blame anorexia and bulimia as well as the fashion industry as the reason behind her untimely death.\nAnd while this is an extreme example, it should be noted that many of the newer girls might be heading in this direction. Death is not glamorous, people, and being overly thin is not attractive either. Fashion capitals, such as Madrid, are taking steps against this and are not allowing models in the fashion week whose weights fall under a certain range considered to be healthy.\nTop agencies and designers are encouraging models to eat healthily and exercise in moderation. While they prefer thin models, they also prefer living ones. In the end, there is no one to blame but the girls themselves. Yes, it is stressful, and yes, it is demanding, but it is what they signed up for. If girls such as Coco and Tanya can do it the right way, other girls should be able to as well.\nKeep in mind that women should never have to starve or hurt themselves in order to become models; the fashion industry does not want that. If you are sending a child who is 13 or 14 into this industry, you better stay by her side and make sure she develops and keeps healthy. No matter what she says, she will be influenced by what she sees: a lot of tall, thin beautiful girls all competing for those few coveted jobs.
(04/01/08 4:23am)
Millions of consumers can expect to see extra cash in their bank accounts this year. An economic stimulus bill Congress recently passed will distribute roughly $150 billion to families and business across the country. The plan would favor those with children and those with low incomes. \nTo many unsuspecting consumers, however, the economic stimulus rebate could mean trouble. With the approval of the stimulus package, consumers need to be on the lookout for refund check scams. The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that individuals posing as IRS representatives are sending out counterfeit refund checks to consumers. \nThe IRS will never ask for personal consumer information through e-mail, said Better Business Bureau CEO and President Linda Carmody. The IRS already has personal information such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers, Carmody said. \nFraudulent e-mails are used as scare tactics to urge consumers to submit personal information. Certain e-mails advise consumers to submit personal information to avoid an audit by the IRS, Carmody said. Consumers should realize that any unsolicited e-mails from the IRS are fraudulent and should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov, Carmody said.\n“(The phishing scandal) is huge and it’s everywhere,” she said.\nIdentity theft is a serious issue and consumers should be responsible when giving out any type of personal information, Carmody said. Any communication regarding the refund checks will be done through regular mail, she said.\nStephen Miller, a certified public accountant, has already seen his share of the phishing scams trying to fraudulently obtain personal information. \n“I have had clients that have gotten the request and they have asked me if it is real or not,” Miller said. “I assume there are others who didn’t ask me and made up their own mind either way.” \nMiller said he received a couple of the fraudulent IRS e-mails himself. \n“They obviously didn’t know who I was,” he said. \nElderly consumers as well as inexperienced ones – typically college students – are more prone to being duped, Carmody said. The scams are spreading through all communication forums, from e-mails to phone calls.\nChelsea Hague, a freshman at IU, has received similar e-mails asking for personal information such as her Social Security and bank account numbers. Hague said that often she does not even open the e-mail if the sender is unfamiliar. Regardless, she knows never to give out personal information through e-mail. \nThe IRS is not charging tax fees or any other fees on the refund checks, Carmody said. E-mails that require consumers to wire money or e-mails that involve third party transactions are fraudulent. \nIf someone believes he or she has been targeted and is a victim of identity theft, certain steps should be taken to prevent further damage. They should contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian or Trans Union – as well as their local police department. Victims should also contact their credit card companies to flag their accounts. Still, the chances of the consumer getting any stolen money back are slim to none, Carmody said.
(03/27/08 2:11pm)
Brightly colored blouses, patterned skirts and bulky-chic jewelry appeared on the runway Wednesday night at the “Classic Styles for the Business Sophisticate” fashion show presented by the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. Collections featured clothing from Goody’s, Express, The Limited and Macy’s. \nBold, vibrant colors are in this season for both for men and women, said Goody’s general manager John Senac. Models paraded down the runway wearing every color of the rainbow, ranging from white and lavender all the way to the timeless classic black. The edgy cuts were part of the whole “be yourself” theme Senac mentioned during the show. \n“Play with your cuts, accessorize your outfit; bag, coat – \nwhatever,” Senac said. “Pull the outfit together with your accessories.”\nSenac also made a point of telling the audience to investigate and understand the company and its dress ethics before making any bold fashion decisions. If people work in the entertainment industry they can get away with wearing a red dress-suit, as featured in the fashion show. However, if people work in the FBI, they probably couldn’t wear such a suit, he said. \nMixing it up seemed to be the underlying theme of the night. While guys are mostly limited to polos, shirts and pants in the corporate business arena, Senac said women’s options are more diverse. Women should not be afraid to explore their fashion sense and men should not be afraid to wear colors, he explained. Also, Senac said to invest in shoes because they “complete the outfit.”\nThe business-inspired collections featured bold colors and wacky-chic patterns as the biggest trend this season in the corporate arena. Shiny patent leather heels, oversized colored leather bags, body-fitting simple pencil skirts, as well as multi-color sleeveless blouses appeared often on the runway Wednesday night. \n“I’m happy and proud (of the fashion show) – and the turnout,” said Delta Sigma Pi fraternity president Charles Liles. The show directors approached Liles at the beginning of the year with the idea of a fashion show, and he thought it was a great way to explore the fashion in business. Liles said his favorite part of the show was the “What to wear to an interview” advice.\nSenior Adrienne Davis said she appreciated the variety of cuts and styles presented at the show. She said the advice was great and found Senac’s comments on knowing a workplace before trying bold fashions to be helpful. As a graphic designer, she said she has more freedom to be bold and liberal with the fashion choices she makes. \nWhile the clothes were bold and chic, the music during the mocktail party before the show had more of a tame feel; their choice – “elevator music.” \n“The elevator music went well with the business theme and it definitely added an upscale, elegant touch to the show,” freshman Sara Sidery said. \nTrance, hip-hop and techno music was played during the actual fashion show. \nThe set consisted of a black platform T-shaped runway with silver lining and the lighting was done in-house with no special effects. The mocktail party featured a table with an assortment of nonalcoholic drinks including “safe” sex on the beach and Shirley temples. \n“Informative” is the word sophomore model Chris Ignaut used to describe the fashion show. The outfits were great but working with people in the business fraternity was even better, Ignaut said.
(03/26/08 8:20pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>New York and Paris Fashion Weeks are no longer the only places where exciting trends can be found. Although the clothes presented at these famous spectacles are fantastic and always innovative, many consumers who are not part of the mainstream-fashion world feel isolated. If you are one of those consumers, have no fear! In today’s market there are plenty of events and stores worldwide that cater to the alternative customer. London’s Alternative Fashion Week features trends for those who want something a little different. The clothes shown at Alternative Fashion Week are eccentric, exotic and in many instances out of this world. However, these fashions end up in many boutiques around the world, where they sell quickly.In Bloomington, Cactus Flower, a locally owned shop in Kirkwood Manor, has a wide assortment of clothing for the alternative customer. It has an amazing vintage collection in its upstairs boutique, offering fashion from the 1920s all the way to present day. Women can expect to find pieces such as sliver heels from the 1950s and jackets from the ’80s, among other fabulous pieces. Men will be glad to hear that Cactus Flower carries items such as Guess faded black button-down shirts and faded jeans in the vintage collection. The store has countless colors, cuts and shapes from different designers and time periods. It is quite humorous to be able to go into one store and relive the past few decades of fashion browsing through its collection.Celebrities such as Feist, who will be playing on April 11 at the IU Auditorium, exhibits that edgy and funky sense of fashion that the alternative customer seeks out. She represents innovative fashions as seen in her music video “1234” from her 2007 breakthrough album The Reminder. The shop also contains a more “current” section on the first floor, featuring collections similar to those that you can buy “off the rack” versus the vintage collections you can find nowhere else. The vintage collection is perfect for many of the alternative customers who prefer fashions that are not found in most malls and boutiques, but instead unique outfits that are edgy and have some flavor to them. “(The clothing) are all one of a kind,” said Jill Schaffer, who has been the owner of Cactus Flower for about 30 years of the store’s vintage-clothing collection. She said modern trends tend to copy from vintage ones.Usually when designers feature collections, they are inspired by previous decades and fashions, Schaffer said. That’s why the vintage collection is the first place many fashion-forward women and guys go to for their distinct needs. “We definitely have a more unique look (than other boutiques) because we incorporate vintage,” said Riley Manion, the buyer and manager of Cactus Flower. She wants the store to be a place where alternative-fashion-forward customers feel welcome and comfortable. Manion said she definitely keeps the alternative customer in mind when she buys items for the store in New York and Las Vegas, among other places. So next time you want to dress fashion forward, try taking some tips from the past.